A baseball is used in a bat-and-ball game with two opposing teams with nine members each. You might already know that each team takes turns to defense (fielding & pitching) and offense (baserunning & battling). As baseball is the center of this game, many spectators might wonder, “How big is a baseball?”
Find out the exact answer and more about baseball here:
Contents
How Big is a Baseball?
Well, a regulation size of baseballs measures 9 inches (22.9 centimeters) – 9.25 inches (23,5 centimeters) in circumference. Also, baseball diameter measures approximately 2.86 inches (7.3 centimeters) – 2.94 inches (7.5 centimeters). Thus, the baseball radius would be around 1.437 inches (3.65 centimeters).
For your information, a standard ball weighs around 5 ounces (142 grams) – 5.25 ounces (149 grams). Also, a baseball is produced with 108 double stitches or 216 individual ones, which ensure it can handle battling and throwing.
Differences between ordinary baseball, rubber baseball, and soft baseball
- Ordinary baseball
This is the standard ball regulated for Major League Baseball (MLB) games. This official ball is made by Rawlings – a Missouri sporting goods manufacturer specializing in baseball equipment and clothing.
In Japan, this ordinary baseball is commonly used in high school baseball games and is often referred to as a ‘hard ball’.
- Rubber baseball
A rubber ball is also a Japanese-style baseball game. After several revisions regarding its dimensions, there are now two types of rubber balls.
Type M, or major, ball measures 2.81 inches (7.15 centimeters) – 2.85 inches (7.25 centimeters) in diameter.
Type J, or junior, ball measures 2.7 inches (6.85 centimeters) – 2.74 inches (6.95 centimeters)
Compression baseballs are often made from polyurethane material, making them softer than traditional ones. Its softness might vary, which is rated by levels. Regarding the dimensions, these balls are bigger and heavier than ordinary baseballs.
These balls are produced for fielding practice or battling fielding. They are also soft enough for players to practice indoors.
A softball measures 3.82 inches (9.7 centimeters) in diameter and 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) in circumference. Besides, its weight varies from 6.25 ounces (177 grams) to 7 ounces (198 grams).
The History of Baseball
The baseball size was first regulated by the National League (NL) in 1876. Then 34 years later, the cork-core ball made its first appearance, lasting for several years due to it allowing a farther and faster hit than the original rubber-core balls.
In 1920, a new type of baseball was believed to allow batters to hit them farther. There was no concrete evidence for this, but the offensive statistics rose higher than before during those several years. This new baseball is reported to be manufactured with higher-quality Australian yarn and in machine winders.
In 1934, a standard for baseball was officiated by the American League and the National League. According to their official regulation, a baseball has a cork center, then two yarn wrappings, a rubber cement adhesive coat, then two yarn wrappings, and the final layer of horsehide.
Later on, they switch the outer layer made of horsehide to natural, unbleached cowhide leather. Then, in 1976, Major League Baseball (MLB) started using baseballs made by Rawlings.
Famous Baseballs in History
An over $ 800 000-worth baseball belongs to George Herman Ruth. He was an American professional baseball player with 22-season playing in the Major League Baseball (MLB). This baseball was from his home run in 1933, and it had his signature.
Another famous baseball auctioned for around $750 000 is from Barry Bond’s 756th home run. It was a legendary baseball as it marked the home run that broke Hank Aaron’s record.
At another auction, the baseball in the game between Boston Red Sox and The New York Mets in the 1986 World Series was sold for $418,250. It rolled through Bill Buckner – the Red Sox’s 1st baseman.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive article, we go from discussing the diameter of a baseball to naming some famous baseballs in history. Hopefully, you are satisfied with our detailed information to the question “How big is a baseball?” It would be nice if you leave some comments or visit our site for more helpful guides. Have a good day!
Five years as a baseball player, my training approaches with this game give me the motivation to inspire and support young players more. Like all sports, we should start with the desire to have fun and maintain our resilience to strive better at any competition. But, of course, some of us want to have some fun and train for better health. It does not matter what your initial purpose is; I believe that most people ever holding on to the baseball bat will fall in love with the games as I do.
